Upton-by-Chester High School marks next milestone in rebuild

Upton-by-Chester High School has celebrated another significant step in its transformational rebuild with a steel signing ceremony held on Thursday 5th March.

This event marks the moment the new structure begins to rise from the ground, symbolising real, visible progress in creating a state‑of‑the‑art secondary school for the community.

Learners from across the school were invited to sign their names on part of the steel framework, leaving a lasting legacy within the walls of the new building. They were joined by Headteacher Mr Lee Cummins, representatives from the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme, Kier, and members of Cheshire West and Chester Council, all coming together to mark this exciting milestone.

The ceremony follows the ground‑cutting event held in December and reflects the continued momentum as the project moves forward on schedule. Opening in September 2027, the new school building will provide modern, flexible learning environments that support high-quality teaching and learning and embody the school’s motto, Learning to Shape the Future.

Headteacher Mr Lee Cummins said:

“Seeing the steel frame rise from the ground is a powerful moment for everyone connected with our school. It represents not just the physical structure of our new building, but the strength of our community and our shared commitment to creating an exceptional learning environment for current and future generations.

I am incredibly proud of our learners for the enthusiasm and pride they bring to each milestone, and I’m grateful to our partners in the DfE, Kier, and Cheshire West and Chester Council for their continued collaboration. The excitement is building - quite literally - as we watch our new school take shape.”

Councillor Adam Langan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families said:

“This steel signing marks another exciting milestone for Upton‑by‑Chester High School and the wider community. The new building will provide inspiring, modern spaces that support the very best outcomes for young people, and I’m proud of the strong partnership between the school, the Department for Education, Kier, and the Council as we work together to deliver these ambitions.

This project reflects our shared commitment to invest in children’s futures and ensure they have the facilities they deserve.”